9 QUICK and EASY meals to make when you’re feeling too exhausted to cook

What do you do when you can’t be bothered to cook? Rather than pick up the phone and order takeaway, there are some really quick and easy meals to make.

Annette Palma is a mum-of-three and she says, “Life is busy!” For those days when she feels like she’s too tired to slave away over a hot stove, she reveals she has a few quick and easy recipes she can whip up from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge. 

9 meal ideas for you to make when you’re feeling too exhausted to cook

Annette, 30, says sometimes she feels like she doesn’t have the time to cook, but thankfully for her, she’s on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge – and there HEAPS of healthy recipes for her to choose from.

“I work part time as a teacher and from home as Healthy Mummy admin the rest of the week. I have one child at school, one at kindy and one who has just discovered he can crawl,” she says.

Annette reveals that her hubby works long hours and often six days a week. As a result, Annette finds herself doing plenty of washing, cleaning, vacuuming and preparing lunches. “Somewhere in there I also like to fit in some exercise, like any other mum I have my challenges,” Annette adds. 

“Mr. 8 months old often believes that sleep is overrated so feeling tired is pretty much a constant state of being! Those days are when I absolutely LOVE The Healthy Mummy because there are so many quick and easy meals to choose from when you’re just too tired to cook.”

Here are 9 meals that Annette whips up when she’s too tired to cook.

1. Veggie packed frittata

This is so quick and easy! You can use up any veggies you have leftover and throw together a quick salad as well.

You can increase the quantities and store leftovers in the freezer to defrost and reheat when you need a healthy meal in a hurry. With an addition of side salad, this would make a delicious meal.

You can find this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

2. Lasagne soup

I throw this on in the morning when I know I’m going to have a really busy day and let the slow cooker work its magic!! There is nothing better than walking through the door after a long day and smelling a delicious lasagne.

This is an amazing, tasty soup which packs in all the flavours of a lasagne. Great to make on the stovetop or super easy in the slow cooker.

This recipe is available for Challenge members and can be found on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

3. Simple veggie stir fry

I love this dish! It’s quick and super easy to just throw together. It also means that I have a veggie loaded meal on the table for all the family in about 10 minutes. Winning!

You can find this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

4. Beetroot salad

There are so many amazing salad recipes available both on the website and in the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge recipe hub. I absolutely love the beetroot salad!!

It’s a nutrient dense recipe loaded with healthy fats and fibre to keep you feeling full as well as helping your body with its natural cleansing processes.

5. Sweet potato, carrot and coconut curry soup

Again, there are so many yummy Healthy Mummy soup recipes. My favourite at the moment is the Sweet Potato, Carrot and Coconut Curry Soup from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Spices such as turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and ginger are known to give your metabolism a great boost.

6. 2 ingredient homemade pizza

This is my go-to when I really can’t be bothered having the dinnertime argument with the kids. They choose their own toppings and everyone is happy and this tired mama doesn’t have to lose her temper!

You can find this recipe here.

7. Toast with smashed avocado and eggs

It doesn’t get any quicker and easier than smashed avo and eggs on toast! It’s like having brekky for dinner!

Pre-boil eggs ahead of time and store in the fridge to use in recipes like this but to also have on hand for an easy, healthy snack. If avocados are expensive in your local area, replace them with slices of tomato.

You can also find this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

8. Healthy vegetable wraps

Let the kids pick their fillings, wrap them up and you’re good to go.

These wraps are a great one to make on a regular basis and are perfect for little people and adults – they are also packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals, and are easy to make in a hurry.

This recipe is available for Challenge members and can be found on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

9. Pasta

Always a winner and if you keep a stash of pasta sauce in the freezer all you have to do is cook the pasta, warm up the sauce, mix and dinner is on the table!

Get this recipe here.

Amazing! Thanks Annette for these great ideas. Next time you’re struggling to keep your eyes open, try out some of these quick and simple meals.

For more quick and easy recipes join our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge

For more tips, meal prep support, easy-to-follow meal plans and weight loss guidance – join our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Busy mums have it tough! We’re looking after the kids, often fitting in a job, managing the house… the list goes on and on! No wonder we put ourselves last and are often low in energy.

Think easy to prepare food, simple meal plans and energy boosting exercise. Learn more about the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge here.